Journeys in Japan
Season 11 Episode 17 - Nanmoku: Afterglow of the Silk Road
Nanmoku is a village that lies deep in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, which blossomed during the period of Japan's modernization over a century ago. It grew and prospered thanks to sericulture -- raising the silkworms whose cocoons were the source of raw silk, an essential cornerstone of Japan's efforts to bring in foreign currency and new technology. However, the development of synthetic fibers led to a drop in demand for raw silk, and this led to the decline of Nanmoku as well. Its population has dropped from over 10,000 some 60 years ago to only about 1,700 residents now. But thanks to its remote setting, the village has been spared large-scale development, and its traditional culture and buildings have been preserved much like a time capsule. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Teodora Forgo from Hungary explores the beautiful natural setting and fascinating history of Nanmoku Village, deep in the mountains northwest of Tokyo.
Episodes in Season 11
Asago: Hidden Gem of Heritage and History
28 min
Suo-Oshima: Finding Hawaii in the Inland Sea
28 min
Unlocking the Mysteries of Ancient Asuka
28 min
Yokohama: A Port Town with It All
28 min
Mishima, Fukushima: Keeping Alive the Folk Craft Tradition
28 min
Tsugaru: Deep Snow, Warm Hearts
28 min
The Magic of Winter in Akita
28 min
Hateruma: Life on a Distant Island
28 min
Hakkoda's Backcountry Magic
28 min
Asahikawa: Adventures on Sleds and Wheels
28 min
Rivers of Life: Kaizu and Kuwana
28 min
Ishigaki: A Look to the Future
28 min
KAGAWA: Treasure House of Modernist Architecture
28 min
Atami is Back
28 min
Otoyo: Bringing Fresh Life to a Traditional Community
28 min
Rural Reboot: Kamiyama's Renaissance
28 min
Nanmoku: Afterglow of the Silk Road
28 min
Work-Life Bliss in Itoshima
28 min
Ogawa Village: Laidback Living with Mountain Vistas
28 min
Omi-hachiman: Historic Merchant Town on Sacred Lake
28 min
South Iwate: On the Trail to Recovery
28 min
Passion on the Vine: Yamanashi and Its Winemakers
28 min
Ashio: Memory of the Forest
28 min
Miyagi: On the Trail to Recovery
28 min
Ojiya: Deep Roots in Snow Country
28 min
Revisiting Ibaraki's Autumn-Winter Flavors
28 min
